by Karen Deen
“I don’t know if you’re right, Dad, but I really want to believe that you are.”
“Believe me, princess, that man loves you whether he realizes it yet or not. As soon as he does, then he will be back for you. I promise.”
“I hope so, Daddy, I really do.”
We finish our dinner and just enjoy our time together. Time gets away from us and before long, Mom is calling to check when Dad is picking her up. He walks me back to my car and I say my goodbyes. He settles me in my car where I tell him I just need to reply to a couple of text messages. He makes me lock my doors and then he drives off to get Mom. I was hoping maybe there might have been a message from Kane, but I guess the book today is all I’m going to get. I just had this feeling all afternoon that he was close by, but it’s just wishful thinking.
Starting the car and getting ready to pull out of the parking lot, I notice most of the street is shut down for the night. Just a few random couples heading into a place across the street. It seems weird because it has no signage at all but there’ve been three different couples heading in there while I was in the car, plus several men in groups. Maybe it’s one of those secret bars that are all the rage now. Any other time I would head over and check it out, but tonight I’m just not in the mood.
Starting my drive down the street, I’m thinking about the bath waiting for me at home when a couple, about to head into the door where everyone was going, turn to face the street.
My stomach drops and my world comes crashing down again.
What the fuck is Kane doing here and who the hell is that girl he’s wrapped around?
All dressed in a tight red dress.
Oh no you don’t, lady!
He better not be calling you Red, or shit’s about to get real.
He’s mine and I’m prepared to fight for him.
I pull the car to the side of the road.
Lipstick perfect, heels on, I’m ready to take on the world.
27
Kane
NIGHTS LIKE TONIGHT you just want over before they begin.
You’re full of stress, worry, adrenaline and scared shitless hoping that everything will come together the way you plan. People will be saved, no one gets hurt, arrests are made, and everyone gets to go home at the end of the night to their loved ones.
There’s no one waiting at home for me. My job is to make sure Jessie arrives home safe to those who are waiting for her, especially Adam. No physical harm will happen to her. It’s impossible to save her mental health. What we saw last night will stay with her forever.
We’ve gone over this plan so many times today with all the team, as well as the special victims unit who are on standby to assist in the raid along with SWAT. This operation has been so tight-lipped; we don’t tip off the police officer that we believe may be involved in the club. We really don’t know what we’re facing in the way of weapons. We didn’t see any guns; however, I imagine they’re in the building. There has to be some sort of force used to get the girls to do as they’re told. Jessie and I spent time alone today just going over what our plan is, our signals to each other and what we do in the worst-case scenario that we get split up.
For evidence purposes, we will both be wearing a very tiny inconspicuous recording device tonight to capture any data we can. We both have a tiny tracking device on us that will help with the raid to know what room we’re in and where the torture area is.
We’re in an Uber on the way to the club so that we arrive without anyone seeing where we come from. The Uber driver lets us off down the street a little, so as not to draw attention to ourselves entering the club.
When I exit the car, I get a buzz through my body which I’m guessing is for the danger we’re about to face. It’s a strange feeling, not the normal. I don’t like things not being normal at a crucial time. We’re about to enter the most important part of the case. Getting into the club again and setting wheels in motion. There has to be an element of surprise for everyone in there, otherwise we don’t get the main offenders. The team we have assembled will ensure that no one gets out of here before they put it on lockdown. Including Jessie and I who will be treated just like the rest of the people in here. That way our cover isn’t blown, risking our safety after the raid as we will be prime witnesses. We will be discreetly taken away as one of the first bunch of people who are interviewed and released.
Standing in front of the big wooden door again, I pull Jessie closer to me and she wraps her arms around me. Partly playing the part but we both know we’re hanging on to each other to find the calm place we need to get this shit done. I lean down to place a pretend kiss on her neck and whisper in her ear.
“We’ve got this. We are the only chance they’ve got. Stay strong.”
She lets a big breath out and then stands a little taller. Looking up at me with fire in her eyes, I can see the determined policewoman is in the house now.
“Let’s go kick ass!” she says just as the wood door opens and we’re ushered inside.
Same process as last night, we’re talked to and phones taken, and body searched. Same stupid bodyguard on the door. I knew after last night that he would be no problem to get past. Just by being smart, Jessie distracted him right at the time he was getting near my ankles, so he totally missed my knife again. She’s not carrying anything, but once we get inside, I’m not letting her go, so will be able to get her the weapon if we need. I pray to god we don’t, but I don’t want to be left exposed.
Just as we’re ushered through the second door to the club, it starts closing and I hear a voice that makes me turn instantly. The door is almost closed, but I see the corner of a blonde head and voice that is imprinted in my brain.
I freeze and tense, which makes Jessie look up at me wondering what’s going on.
It can’t possibly be Lilly. What the hell would she be doing in a club like this? I must have it wrong. Shaking my head trying to get clarity, my rational brain is kicking in. She is constantly on my mind and because I’m stressed, I’ve imagined her voice. There’s no other explanation.
Get your shit together, Kane! Everyone needs you.
“Are we good?” Jessie looks at me, trying not to look worried but I can tell wanting to make sure everything is okay.
“We’re more than good, AJ. Look, our favorite room is opening up now. Let’s go get you all hot and sweaty watching. I’m just in the mood for an extra special show tonight. Maybe we can bring on a show of our own.” She gets the picture that I’m back with her. Part of me is still spinning at thinking I heard Lilly, but I need to clamp that down.
We walk arm in arm to the room, bypassing the bar because we’ve arrived late enough, we can just go straight to where we need to be. There’s a curtain they’re starting to pull back that exposes the four women again. They’re the same ones as last night. You can see the scars on the ones with their backs facing us. It’s hard to tell how old some of the scars are to work out how long they’ve been here suffering. I spot Sheree tied to the cross tonight. Her back facing out for the demons to attack. They have broken her spirit. Her body is just hanging limp.
The sad part is, I’m finally here to rescue her like she has been calling to me, but nothing will rescue her from the mental hell she’ll live with for the rest of her life.
We stand to the side of the room so we can take it all in. Assess who’s in here, the faces of the ones who are carrying out the pain to the women. We wait for the show to start, then we can give the call to set off the raid. I’m trying to memorize as many faces as I can. I want them all to pay for being involved. Every single one of them.
The show starts. There are screams from the women and the crowd just laps it up as more excitement. Jessie is in front of me making the noises and the movements to make her look like this show is turning her on. I’m not letting this go any further; I push the panic button transmitter in my pocket. The doors will be busting open in the next two minutes. If we’re in danger, then I just need to press it agai
n and they’ll break down the doors without waiting.
“That’s it, AJ, I’m going to set it all off for you, by pushing that button.” She nods her head to acknowledge she understands that I have signaled the raid.
The noise in this room is loud and distracting. Above it all, though, I hear that same voice that caught my attention before. Hearing her start her rant, it reminds me of the night in New York when she shouts the word pig. This time it’s getting closer. My head snaps around looking for her. My heart starts thumping that this plan could all go to shit in seconds if I can’t shut her up. She could say things that will spook them.
I lean and whisper in Jessie’s ear the only thing that I know will really make her stop and listen.
“Jessie, trust me and follow my lead quickly. Lilly is here.” Her head snaps up to look at me instantly. The use of her real name signals that we have real trouble, worse than if I’d called her Alison Jane. I turn her and we head towards a blonde firecracker storming across the club towards me, ready to explode.
“Come on, blondie, let’s go. I love a woman who plays hard to get.” One of the filthy guys I had met in the hallway the night before has grabbed hold of her arm and is trying to convince her roughly that she should join him in one of the private rooms.
“Don’t touch me, you disgusting pig. What makes you think you have the right to touch me?” Standing her ground, she is trying to go toe to toe with this guy and it’s drawing quite the crowd. “What kind of bar is this, anyway?” she’s yelling at him.
“Oh, blondie, this is far from a bar. Look around you. Welcome to your sexual kingdom and I’m your new master.” The slime ball is standing over top of her now. I can’t get through the people quick enough. I can see her bravery starting to wane.
Just as I get to her, he grabs her by the arms and is about to plant a kiss on her. Rage that has been simmering under the surface for days lets loose.
Grabbing him by the shoulder, I turn him as my fist collides with his face and his whole body flies backwards, hitting the floor.
“Never touch her again. Nobody touches her except me,” I growl losing all control. His nose is now flattened and blood steaming everywhere. I can see guards moving towards me.
“Oh my god. How could you! Who is she and where the fuck am I, K—” I can’t let her say my name and the only quick way to shut her up is slam my lips on hers and kiss her with all the power I have. I need her to soften, not that I think I have half a chance of that. I keep kissing her as Jessie steps in behind her and wraps her arms around her making it look like we’re all together.
Quickly, Jessie whispers quietly in Lilly’s ear, “Lilly, we’re working undercover, you need to just shut up and follow what we tell you. We’re in danger. Now listen to Kane and do not use his name.” I feel Lilly go weak in my arms as the bouncers arrive on the scene.
“I fucking love it when you pretend to be attacked, my blonde bombshell. That was some hot role play. I need to get you two girls back home so I can fuck you both and then watch while you fuck each other. Now let’s move.” The look in her eyes is of sheer terror. I can’t pay attention to that now. I need to get her and Jessie out of here. I can’t protect them both at once. Letting either of them be hurt is not an option for me.
“You need to leave.” The big dopey bouncer stands with his arms crossed, trying to exude authority.
“All good, man, we’re done. Taking them both home now. Leaving you to clean up the trash.” I glance down at the guy still on the floor carrying on about his nose. I attempt to get Lilly moving towards the door but she’s frozen on the spot with fear. Jessie glares at me. Both of us know we’re running out of time before this place will explode with police.
“Red, move, now!” I growl in my bedroom voice that she always responds to. Like she’s on autopilot, her feet start moving. I’m dragging her, and Jessie is pushing her from behind trying to make those heels move faster. We go straight past the front desk and burst onto the street. Leaving all our belongings because they were just burner phones anyway.
Jessie and I walk on either side of Lilly and start rushing down the sidewalk as we see SWAT and the raid squad storming towards the building. I want to be in there, making sure the main perpetrators are found.
“Jessie. Keep her safe. I need to go back in.” I start to push Lilly into her arms. She starts to fall backwards but then gains her footing.
“No,” she yells at me. “No, I can’t lose you. I need to tell you…” Tears welling in her eyes, she chokes on her words.
Jessie leans around and grabs my arm. “Choose her, Kane. Time to choose you, not the job.” She steps back from us both, starting to head towards the command post being set up at the end of the street. That woman walking away is one of the toughest and softest I know. Someone I would trust with my life, and that’s saying something.
The start of sobs brings me back to what is important in life. More important than anything else. It took being in the worst place on earth to recognize that I have the most beautiful ray of light standing right in front of me. No matter what this job throws at me, I should always choose her.
Pulling Lilly into my arms is the stability that I need. Her arms wrap around my back in an instant and she is hugging me and hanging on for dear life. Her fear is still racing in her body.
“What was happening in there, Kane?” Her tiny voice drifts up from where she is tucked against my chest.
“Disgraceful things I never want you to witness or be near. I had to stop it, Lil, I just had to. It was the only way.” I bury my head in her neck just to center myself, breathing her in.
I need to get her out of here. Steering her to the end of the street where Jessie and Sarge are talking, I approach him and ask to use his phone. With Lilly still tucked under my arm, I call the one person I trust to take care of her until I can.
We stand together, not talking just hugging. Lilly hasn’t said anything, but I know she understands I need to do my reports before I can go home. She needs to get out of here and shower away the filth and get warm. Clear her mind of the awful things she saw. I will thank the universe every day that I managed to keep her from seeing the torture room. It was bad enough what she saw, and those women are consenting, well, as far as we could tell.
The Jeep pulls up to the curb and Xavier jumps out, coming around to help me with Lilly. There are tears and she doesn’t want to leave me. Clinging on, not wanting to let me go.
“Lilly, I need you to be strong and go home with Xavier. You know he will keep you safe. I won’t be too long, but I have to do this. It’s too important to so many lives. You understand, don’t you?” Slowly, she’s nodding her head. The look in her eyes slays me, though. “I promise I will come to you as soon as I’m done. No more running. I’m done being without you.”
I take her head and kiss her forehead long and soft. We then help her into the Jeep and buckle her in. Her hands wrap around her waist to stop herself from shivering. Giving her one last kiss on the lips, light and with the promise of more, I close the door and turn to Xavier.
I give him a quick hug, I’m glad to see him.
“Thanks for coming so quickly, man. You’re the only one I trust to look after her. Take her to my place and get her to shower and get into bed. But stay with her until I get there, it could be a while. I don’t want her to be alone. Her night has been traumatic, and it’ll take a little while to settle within her. A stiff drink might help.” I feel like such a jerk sending her off with someone else when she’s so vulnerable.
“Already on it. Ally’s in your apartment as we speak, opening it up and taking some food up there. Getting it ready for me to arrive. We’ve got her, Kane. Go do what you need to do, so you can come home to her. That’s all she needs. Don’t know what happened here tonight but I’m glad to see you, buddy, all safe and sound. Talk soon.”
With that, he runs around to the driver’s door and jumps in, bringing the Jeep to life.
Lilly looks at me wi
th those eyes, sadness and fear still showing all over face. I put my hand on the window and she places hers on the other side. I mouth to her so she will understand I mean it: “Coming for you, Red. You’re mine, I know that now.” It brings a little smile to her face but not enough for my liking.
I watch the car pull away, the lights disappearing around the corner, and I feel a little relief she’s away from the filth of this place. I feel Jessie place her arm around my waist and tuck herself under my arm. I think we both need to just unwind for a moment together. I pull her tight into a hug and it’s a relief for both of us to know this is finally over. We know there will be months of court cases and paperwork, but all the women in there will be rescued and given the help they need for both the physical and mental injuries.
The ambulances are lined up at the other end of the street close to the front of the building. They are one by one bringing the women who can walk out and into the ambulances. Others are being carried out on gurneys to be treated. I have no idea how many women were in that building but they seem to be still coming. I’m almost to the edge of the command center area to talk with Sarge when I see Sheree being placed on a bed and she’s crying and just saying thank you over and over again to anyone who will listen. My heart takes a leap at the sight of her safe. I want to go over, but the truth is, she doesn’t need to know me. I would just be another man she doesn’t know and doesn’t trust. I think about my Sarge’s words and that’s enough.
‘You can’t save them all.’
Maybe not, but tonight we did save them all and damn it feels good.
Best feeling ever.
It’s why I became a cop.
Now I need to learn how to be a policeman and a man that can live a life too.
The only person who can teach me that is curled up in my bed waiting for me.
My Lilly.
28
Lilly
LYING IN KANE’S BED, I just keep seeing the visions playing over in my head like a movie.
